Description
Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. The plant, indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, is now widespread in cultivation in many regions of the world.
The essential oils are obtained by steam distillation of the fresh aerial parts of the flowering plant.
Early Chinese, Egyptian and Japanese cultures used mint plants and oils for their healing properties.
Peppermint is the oldest and most popular flavor of mint-flavored confectionery and is often used in tea and for flavoring ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum and toothpaste. Peppermint can also be found in some shampoos, soaps and skin care products.
It freshens bad breath and is therefore often found as ingredient in toothpastes.
The essential oil of Peppermint clears the respiratory tract as it opens the airways and acts as a decongestant. You can inhale it or mix with a carrier oil and rub it onto chest to help reduce the symptoms of asthma or bronchitis.
Peppermint is a natural remedy to relieve teething pain in babies. Mix the oil with coconut oil and rub it onto the painful gum area.
The antimicrobial properties of peppermint come to use in many ways: to freshen bad breath, help reduce cavities in dental care, help cure acne naturally.
It is also beneficial to soothe itching skin and has a general cooling effect on the organism. This in turn can be used to bring down a fever.
Recipe for homemade toothpaste:
5 Tbsp Calcium powder
2 Tbsp Baking Soda
3 Tbsp Xylitol Powder (powder is not sold. One has to put the xylitol granules into a food processor and mix into powder form)
1 Tbsp Neem Seed Oil
20 – 30 drops Trace minerals
3-5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to get desired creamy texture
Essential Oils: Peppermint, Fresh Cinnamon Leaf, Clove, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Fresh Ginger, Ginger
Caution:
Do not apply near the face of children.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.